Immunocompromised teens eligible for first booster 4 months after primary vaccine

 

Immunocompromised adolescents aged 12 and above are recommended to take their first booster dose four to six months after receiving their primary vaccine doses, the Health Ministry announced today.

Meanwhile, individuals 18 and above with high-risk comorbidities can also opt to get their second booster shot four to six months after their first booster dose.

Both groups would be given this option after consulting a registered medical practitioner.

Those above 60-years-old without comorbidities are now no longer required to seek the advice of a medical professional before getting their second booster dose.

In a statement issued today, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that individuals who received booster shots are proven to be protected from severe Covid-19 infections and death as a result.

“However, due to waning immunity, especially for individuals in vulnerable groups, the risk is still high of getting hospitalised and subsequently dying due to the infection.

“The Health Ministry would also like to inform everyone that administration of second booster doses is done voluntarily,” he said.

Previously, Khairy said that adolescents aged 12 and above will be eligible for their first booster dose 28 days after their second dose has elapsed.

Only those 60-years of age with high-risk comorbidities were previously given the option of a second Covid-19 booster dose, whereas those without comorbidities could opt for it upon the advice of a medical professional. - Mkini